Burger 21 Targets Phoenix, Arizona for Franchise Expansion

TAMPA, Fla., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21®, a new better burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot® Restaurants, Inc., announced today it plans to expand in the Phoenix market with future franchise development. The company currently has two Arizona locations in development in Scottsdale and Chandler, both expected to open later this year. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations and 18 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

"Burger 21 is dedicated to providing guests with a unique better burger experience," said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. "We've seen a strong interest in our brand in Arizona and we're looking for additional franchisees to help us bring Burger 21's chef-inspired burger creations and hand-crafted signature shakes to even more locations throughout the Greater Phoenix area."

To further fuel Burger 21's expansion in the area, the company will be exhibiting at The National Franchise and Business Opportunities ExpoMay 3-4 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand's franchise development team at booth #207 to learn more about growth opportunities.

Additionally, Burger 21 will host a live webinar on April 17 at 2 p.m. EDT to drive national expansion. To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx or contact Ashley Pollard, franchise development manager for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com.

Recognition for rapidly-expanding Burger 21 in 2013 included being named one of Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers." The concept ranked No. 22 based on its variety of innovative recipes and recent expansion. In addition, the franchise's gluten-free menu received the No. 1 ranking in the "Top 10 Menu Innovations" category and Mark Johnston was recognized as one of the "Top 20 People" for his strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.

Burger 21 is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast casual dining concept. Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 per unit. Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $416,133 – $933,895. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.

About Burger 21With 12 locations open in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 18 in development in six states, Burger 21 is a "beyond the better burger" fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Burger 21 is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef® to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, specialty salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.

About Front Burner BrandsFront Burner Brands (formerly known as TGS Restaurant Management) is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 135 locations in North America and more than 25 locations currently in development, Burger 21 with 12 locations open in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 18 in development in six states, GrillSmith with six locations in the Tampa Bay area and other new franchise concepts in development. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.